When I first met Shauna Hynes, the creator of “Outlet,” an app which helps creatives connect with other creatives, I had no idea about the inspiring backstory I would be in for.
One which led me to sit down with Shauna and learn about her app and story, raising my eyebrow at all the similar obstacles we had both faced as young female creatives.
After a three-hour conversation at a coffee shop, I knew this was a story I would have to share with all of the women who have a dream, yet hold themselves back from conquering it.
Shauna Hynes, a 21-year-old entrepreneur and the founder of Outlet, created an app to change the game for people in creative industries all over the world.
The app helps connect creatives with other creatives by allowing users to set their own prices, book jobs and make connections all around the world. Essentially, the purpose of developing this app was so that up-and-coming creators could turn part-time jobs into full-time careers.
There are 19 different profile types for the typical creator; models can connect with agencies, promoters can book DJs, music producers can connect with artists, and so forth.
The unique concept of the app is what initially got my attention and made me want to learn more about why Hynes decided to take on such a task with practically no experience in coding or technology.
At first glance, it is easy to assume that making an app is not that hard or as many tend to assume, it was just “daddy’s” money, pure luck or looks, considering Shauna’s background as a college dropout, gym trainer and model.
The reality is that it doesn’t matter how rich, lucky or charismatic a person is, it takes struggle, sleepless nights and an exceeding amount of strength to be a female entrepreneur and create such a versatile app.
When 20-year-old Shauna decided to move to Downtown Toronto a year ago, it was a leap of faith she decided to take for herself. With a tight budget, she moved between many homes, staying at a small residence with eight other people. She even stayed on a friend’s couch for a bit while working on the side.
Being so consumed with someone else’s life, Shauna had soon forgotten about her own life, purpose, goals and aspirations. All she knew was that she had to move out.
Taking risks like moving out and putting yourself in vulnerable and uncomfortable positions is what opens up doors for change and opportunity. Shauna’s was the app “Outlet,” now launching internationally and growing in popularity day by day.
However, moving out was only the beginning of this life-changing chapter for Shauna. The developmental process of the app is what really tested her abilities as a young businesswoman in a male-dominated industry.
Let me note that developing an app is an investment of time and money. One must really believe in themselves to be sure about putting everything on the line –– in Hynes’ case, that meant taking out a hefty loan. She believed in herself and her vision when many people could not, on the basis that she was “too young,” “inexperienced,” and just a “girl.”
There were many disappointing conversations Shauna had to have with men in the industry while fighting to keep her dream alive.
When trying to promote her app, one man went as far as to say, “you are making this seem much bigger than it really is,” but she did not let that stop her. Head held high, she kept pushing, and now the app is bigger than she thought it ever would have been.
Another marketing agent also thought it would be a good selling tactic to put down Shauna’s app in an attempt to sell his services to her. By making her feel like she was on the wrong track, he believed he had a better chance of reeling her in.
Never take advice from someone who puts down your work to “improve it.” Shauna’s app did not even need such improvements as the coders came back with a thumbs up saying it was ready to go and the user-friendly nature of the app was marketing in itself.
There will be so many people who will try to put down your business, hustle and hard work for reasons that are too long to list. One takeaway for anyone who reads this is to just be resilient.
Life’s nature is to throw obstacles your way and try to kick you down, but do not be discouraged. When the going gets tough, think to yourself: “What will happen if I don’t give up?” In Shauna’s case, her resilience led her to meet great people, learn new skills and create her revolutionary app, Outlet.
The app’s slogan is, “You determine your worth, get connected.” The world would produce a lot more ambitious and successful women if this motto was applied to real life.
In this day and age, it takes a lot to be a young female entrepreneur, creator, app developer, and so much more, but it is not impossible. “You would carry yourself a lot differently if someone told you that you were worth $50 an hour rather than $12,” said Shauna.
Outlet is a creation made by a creator for creators to determine their worth.